Advisor dismissed following public viral video exposure
A marine conservationist named Siranudh "Psi" Scott, who's part of the Singha Corporation dynasty, has found himself in hot water over allegations of inappropriate behavior, leading to his removal from his advisory position at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
Originally stepping down due to a disagreement with DNP director-general Athapol Charoenshunsa on conservation efforts management, Mr. Scott was later axed for his persistent unprofessional conduct despite multiple warnings.
The 26-year-old marine conservation crusader obtained his degree in animation from the California Institute of the Arts and returned to Thailand to make waves in the conservation world. He's made a name for himself with his dedication to conservation programmes.
However, a controversial viral video showcased him confronting a foreign tourist in southern Thailand for using the Chinese greeting ni hao recklessly. Though the intention was to address racial insensitivity, the incident was viewed as an example of his inappropriate behavior by some.
Director-General Athapol recognized Mr. Scott's good intentions but highlighted that his online content had negatively impacted the relationship between park authorities and local communities on various occasions. At one point, a defamation lawsuit was filed by a local business operator over Mr. Scott's online content, according to Mr. Athapol.
Aside from the viral video, there have been allegations of overreach, misconduct, and self-serving use of park resources in Mr. Scott's work. Moreover, his online content reportedly contributed to strained relationships between the park authority and local communities.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Scott remains adamant in his cause, emphasizing systemic corruption and his unwavering commitment to conservation. The controversy surrounding him has sparked conversations about the role of social media in conservation, tourism conduct, and the influence of local authorities in Thailand.
Siranudh's removal from his advisory position at the DNP was not only due to a disagreement on conservation efforts management, but also because of persistent unprofessional conduct, following multiple warnings. His social media content, including a controversial viral video, has been criticized for negatively impacting the relationship between park authorities and local communities, and has even led to a defamation lawsuit by a local business operator. Despite the controversy, Siranudh continues to use social media to advocate for conservation and highlight systemic corruption in Thailand.
